Half of Ohio State’s 2025 captains will be back with the Buckeyes in 2026.
After wide receiver Brandon Inniss announced Thursday that he will return to Ohio State for his senior season, left tackle Austin Siereveld announced Wednesday that he will be back for his redshirt junior season rather than entering the 2026 NFL draft.
An Iron Buckeye in both the winter and summer of 2025, Siereveld emerged as Ohio State’s best offensive lineman this past season. He earned an 83.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including an 83.3 mark as a run blocker and a 73.7 mark in pass protection. Over 810 snaps, Siereveld allowed 15 pressures — 13 hurries and two quarterback hits — but did not surrender a single sack.
With Siereveld back in the fold, Ohio State has its left tackle, quarterback (Julian Sayin) and top offensive weapon (Jeremiah Smith) secured for the 2026 season. The Buckeyes also return Inniss and starting running back Bo Jackson, while adding UTSA transfer wideout Devin McCuin and transfer tight ends Mason Williams (Ohio) and Hunter Welcing (Northwestern) to the offense. McCuin hauled in 65 passes for 726 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, while Williams and Welcing combined for 54 receptions, 572 yards and five touchdowns.
Siereveld is the third Ohio State offensive lineman to announce he will return in 2026, joining left guard Luke Montgomery and center Carson Hinzman. Barring a surprise departure by right tackle Phillip Daniels, Ohio State will return four of its five starting offensive linemen from 2025, with right guard Tegra Tshabola transferring to Kentucky.